We are receiving many phone calls and e-mails thanking us for pressuring our current union leadership in having the candidates’ debate on Wednesday, April 7th. Special thanks to the School Employee Alliance Attorney, Steven E. Glink for filing the case in U.S. Federal Court. Delegates are calling the unprecedented event, the best union meeting ever!

During the debate, I was infuriated that Ms. Stewart and Ms. Lynch tried to deceive the delegates on the issue of the 4% scheduled raises, and the Board of Education’s contractual ability to bring the union to the negotiating table. I urge you to read Article 47-2.2 of our contract and refrain from supporting these candidates based on their inability or unwillingness to interpret language in their own agreements.

With approximately 20 days before one of the most important votes in Chicago Teachers Union history, our caucus is asking for your support in the May 21, 2010 Officers Election by endorsing our team to your schools’ union members . As delegate, you have the authority to approve us by composing a short letter, signing it, and placing it in all CTU members’ mailboxes in your school.

We have more to tell you. Please consider attending one of the Special S.E.A. General Meetings below. We will detail our plan and timeline for dealing with the CPS fiscal emergency as well as the interpretation of our contract language. You may bring other interested CTU members from your schools.

Throughout this school year, we have been the ONLY caucus that has focused on the most important document that protects your working environment and rights as a professional; the contract. With all unions under inexorable assault, now is the time for a truly qualified professional of integrity to lead the CTU.

Tell your schools’ union members to support Synergy, Experience, A New Direction. If you do your homework, the School Employee Alliance is the most logical choice.

Allow us the opportunity to create a union you can be proud of once again.

Respectfully and In Unity,
Theodore “Ted” M. Hajiharis
S.E.A. Candidate for President of the Chicago Teachers Union